I'm currently running with some Truvativ Firex Giga X Pipe, 44/32/22 cranks (stock with new bike). I've searched the net to try and find some info on these cranks but can't find much. All I could find that this crankset seems to be stock on low to mid-range bikes.

I found a deal for a Shimano XTR FC- M960 crankset reasonably cheap (including installation tools, spacers and b/b) . Is it worth upgrading or would I be better off just upgrading my wheelset? (but really who can turn down a bargain when they see one)

I mainly do cross country but love downhill riding with small jumps/drops just as much (who doesn't?)

any advice or comments would be appreciated.

What do you mean by upgrade? Are you looking for expensive high-end components, or something more affordable and solid, albeit heavy, with more teeth? I 'upgraded' my standard MTB crankset to a simple Nashbar 48/38/28 crankset and haver never looked back. I think crank, BB and chain all cost around $110 USD installed.

It really depends on what you want to achieve.

The xtr's are great cranks, if you can afford them go for it. Advantages will be lighter weight, stiffer, and possibly smoother shifting.

Don't listen to toddorado, a nashbar 48/38/28 crankset is not an "upgrade" on just about any bike. I'm not even sure where they came up with those teeth numbers honestly, 46/36/24 was the old standard.

+1 on the XTR's. The only caution may be the cost of the chainrings when it comes time to replace. Shimano replacements will be big bucks, while aftermarket better pricing.

The Nashbar 48/38/28 would be a silly choice for offroad.

+something as long as it refers to XTR, not Nashbar.

One possible issue with the 960 XTR crankset is the oddball bolt pattern (102 vs. 104mm BCD). Aftermarket chainring and bashring options exist, but are limited.

fwiw, chainreactioncycles.com has the M760 XT cranksets for $138. now thats a deal.

Thanks for the replies... I knew the xtr's were a great crank but I just wasn't sure how much of an upgrade it was from what I already have as I couldn't find much info on the Truvati's. I think shouting myself an xmas present is in order here.

FYI: the xtr's seem to retail for about 1000 here in Australia, but the ones I found are going for less than half price.

One last thing - these xtr's come in 175 mm only - is that the standard? - and also when checking the length on my current set to compare - is that measurement the full length of the crank or from bb bolt hole to pedal bolt hole??

48/38/28 is ye olde skool toothing - it predates "Compact Drive" and usually is found on bikes from the early 90's or previous. It can also be found on touring bikes ridden by bearded guys with Bell V1 Pro helmets.

You will probably notice zero difference with the "new" cranks.

You'll save some weight (150grams or so). That's about it. Maybe add some rigidity, but not everyone can tell the difference.

omg get it do it do it seriously

This is exactly why folks should only consider 2006 or later XTR cranksets. Pre 2006 has an irregular bolt pattern and soft chainrings. They are being cleared out pretty much everywhere below cost.

As long as you keep up with changing the chain, the 2006+ XTR middle ring should last multiple seasons. It's titanium (w/ carbon molded chain ramps) which has exceptional wear properties under this application. The 2007 XTR has a similar setup except the ring is steel with carbon ramps. Though for some reason they still include an aluminum granny ... yuck!!!

XTRs come in 165mm, 170mm, 175mm and 180mm. I'm running 180mm XTs. So far so good.

Got the cranks a few days ago. Do I need to have specific XTR components (as in same year) to fit these cranks - I'd like to get full XTR running gear or can XTR components from different years work ok together.?